Stress is a skin killer. That’s why we’ve put together this list of six stress-busting tips that will make sure you wake up ready to put your best face forward on your special day.

1. Exercise

We know you’re busy, but exercise should be a regular part of your pre-wedding routine. Exercise increases blood flow, which helps bring oxygen to your skin and flush out your pores.

Exercise is also a great way to help burn off some of that stress that you’re probably feeling. Breaking a sweat helps your body manage cortisol, the stress hormone at the center of many skin issues including acne. Working out may help prevent breakouts, inflammation, and puffiness.

2. Practice a Pre-Wedding Skin Preparation Program

Your wedding is 80% preparation. Prepping your skin months in advance is crucial when it comes to making sure that you look your best. Your skin is like a canvas and makeup, no matter how well-done, always looks best on skin that’s been properly cared for. Choosing a treatment program 3-6 months in advance will help you get smooth, blemish-free skin that will look great on your big day and beyond.

We recommend a combination of professional treatments and a solid at-home skin ritual. Not sure where to start? You can read about how to prep your specific skin type here, or get a timeline of wedding treatments for normal skin here. To shop all of our favorite pre-wedding skincare products, shop our Bridal Stack below.

3. Avoid Alcohol and Sweets

The weeks leading up to your wedding are filled with celebrations, but don’t let stress get the best of you. Sugar and alcohol suck moisture from your system and feed inflammation, leaving you and your skin dehydrated. Replace your martini with plain seltzer with lemon, and satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh strawberries instead of pastries.

4. Drink More Water

Being dehydrated can lead to all sorts of uncomfortable things in your body: achy muscles, nausea, headaches and dry, flaky skin. No one wants to feel that way on their wedding day or any of the days in between.

It’s easy to forget to drink 8 glasses a day when you’re running around trying to pull everything and everyone together. Fill up a water bottle or two before you head out and stay hydrated throughout the day. You skin will thank you.

5. Get Proactive About Acne

Moderate to severe acne can take 4-6 weeks to get under control, and if you are prone to hyperpigmentation, it could take 4-6 months or more to completely lift brown spots from your skin.

While it might be tempting to try a new drugstore product to help clear up your skin, keep in mind that most of these are high in fillers and low in active product. Your best bet is to invest in professional care months before your big day. Begin with appointments every two weeks. Your aesthetician will treat your skin to a series of deep exfoliation treatments and nutrient therapies to kill acne-causing bacteria and speed cell turnover. After a few months, you can move to a 3-week cycle to lift the remaining hyperpigmentation and continue improving the tone and texture of your skin.

Maintain results between treatments by using our TCA Multi-Acid Face Peel a few times per week. It will help speed your cell turnover and kill acne-causing bacteria. Twice daily, apply our EGF Activating Serum to encourage healing and improve skin texture.

6. Stay Centered

Stress leads to wacky hormonal changes in our bodies and ultimately, issues with our skin. Take some time out for yourself to enjoy a few moments of peace and quiet. Listen to soothing music, try some yoga, or just take a walk outside and let your mind go for a while. You might be surprised how much more relaxed you feel as your big day draws near.

Every bride has her challenges when it comes to planning the perfect wedding, but that doesn’t mean that stress has to take a toll on your body. Keep these tips in mind as you begin your journey and you’ll master the art of being a calm bride-to-be.